Mother-daughter photoshoot is the best way to capture your special bond and just have a great time together. They also make for beautiful keepsakes and stylish additions to your family photo displays. So go ahead and plan your next mother-daughter photo session – it’s sure to be a cherished memory for years to come!
Mother-Daughter Photoshoot Ideas
For mom and newborns or toddlers photography, the classic choice is to play with the kid’s favorite toys, use props or cute animals, or get a studio photoshoot. Most of the photos will underline tenderness and affection. For getting a nice photo with older children, consider taking a walk in the nature, getting professional portraits, or organizing fun activities, like a picnic, a cooking day, or a shopping spree.
Whether you only plan a photo session once in a while or regularly share your mother-daughter goals on social media, it is helpful to look for some fresh ideas and photo inspiration. Here are some of the best mom-and-daughters photo ideas to help spark your creativity.
1. Get a Matching Outfit. Nothing beats the classics – a matching outfit photoshoot. While stylish, these photos are also filled with deeper meanings that allow daughters to sample a role model they admire. You can plan your outfits in the same color scheme, choose a bold print, get interesting duo T-shirts, or go for totally identical looks.
via @ma.jolie.bulle
2. Let Her Be Your Stylist. Embrace the girly side of your nature with a mommy and daughter makeup session. With older children, you can do each other’s hair and makeup. Let a photographer catch a mirror shot of your ‘getting ready’ process. And there is something so irresistibly cute in small girls doing their moms’ makeup.
3. Be Playful. Channel your inner child and reconnect with the children that are growing up way too fast! Playing with toys or dancing to their favorite songs will bring smiles to both mother and daughter’s faces. For outdoor sessions, choose lively energetic activities, like riding bicycles or playing with pets. Do you remember how fun it was to run under a fountain when you were a kid? Tap into childhood memories and learn from kids to be playful.
via @dappermaentje
4. Make or Wear Wreathes. Tender and delicate, flower wreaths create a magical fairy-like atmosphere in the photos. You can get dressed in flowy dresses and opt for an au naturel look or, conversely, get fancy-themed makeup. Flower wreaths and headbands have also become increasingly popular in newborn photography.
via @asekyb
5. Let Her Walk in Your Shoes. As sad as it may be for a mommy to see her daughter grow up fast, it’s also exciting to see how your child turns into a beautiful young woman. Walking in mom’s shoes makes for a lovely photo session that will allow you to take a trip down memory lane when your kid is older.
6. Embrace Rustic Charm. Flower fields and vintage bicycles, linen dresses and straw hats, farm animals, and baskets full of fruit draw sheer inspiration for best mother and daughter photoshoot ideas. Take advantage of the simple joys of the country lifestyle!
via @vlasovaite
7. Multiply Cuteness with Fluffy Friends. Double the dose of cuteness with furry friends in mom-and-daughter photography! Frisky kittens and chubby puppies present great options. But if you are looking for something more extraordinary, go for bunnies, baby goats, or even ponies. Basically, all baby animals will emphasize the innocence and tenderness in the pictures.
via @familyemotions.ancutacabau
8. Get Props that Will Ease Posing. With younger children, it might be challenging to get the poses right so that they look natural in the pictures. Try using props like ladders or chairs that kids can perch on. Pillows and baskets are popular choices for newborns to pose with. Don’t forget to bring your child’s favorite stuffed toys too – they will attract the kid’s attention and bring more interaction in the photo.
via @stacey.lesnik
9. Add Dynamics to Your Pictures. Introducing dynamics into your photo shoot is a great way to capture natural and genuine emotions. With babies, a mommy can throw her girl in the air or spin while holding the baby. With school-age daughters, you can swing each other around or get on a swing or a carousel. Consider wearing fluffy skirts or dresses – these will help convey the dynamic movement in the photograph.
via @nadiine.d
10. Have a Studio Session. If you prefer comfort and tranquility, a studio session is definitely for you. You don’t have to worry about the changing weather conditions and can try on several looks or get creative with makeup and accessories. It also offers an uncluttered background and professional lighting.
via @candacehowe_
11. Get Your Faces Close Together. Getting your faces near is a fun way to seize your similarities and differences. An adorable nose rub, a nuzzle against the cheek, or a smooch on the ear show affection and a special bond between mum and daughter.
via @madie.mckasson
12. Cook Together. Spice up your photos and demonstrate your love for food in a cooking mommy and daughter session. Kitchens are abundant in interesting details while food introduces a multitude of colors and textures. Let the camera capture you slicing vegetables, mixing ingredients, or baking while you prepare dinner together.
13. Plan a Street Photoshoot. Nightlife in the city makes a perfect backdrop for excellent photos. Outdoor cafes with fairy lights, vintage misty street lamps, and well-lit shop windows create a natural dappled light texture. If you decide to take photos during the daytime, pick interesting urban elements, like stairs, sophisticated buildings, or unusual architectural pieces. Sitting in a cafe and shopping has never been more delightful!
via @mariamolino
14. Create Matching Hairstyles. Just like matching outfits, twin hairstyles are a cool way to demonstrate your emotional bond. You can braid your hair, create sleek ponytails and cute buns, or simply let your hair down. Hair accessories like barrettes, ribbons, or headbands, will also come in handy.
15. Use Some BFFs Photo Ideas. Employ classic ‘best friends forever’ concepts in your mom and daughter photoshoot ideas. Twinning or mirror images, heart hand poses, or carrying your daughter piggyback style are as much fun with moms as with best friends. You can playfully flip hair, blow bubbles together, or whisper secrets to each other to celebrate your special mother-daughter relationship.
via @ritcha
16. Have Fun with a Western Theme. A Western-themed session offers a chance to try on gorgeous Victorian Era and Frontier-styled dresses or get a taste of ranch life with simple denim, suede, and flannel outfits. Get your cowgirl boots and hats and set off for a new adventure!
17. Emphasize the Tenderness. Demonstrate your maternal love and tenderness through a themed shoot. Light clothing and delicate accessories will help you create an affectionate atmosphere.
18. Take a Walk in the Wild. Nature photography has many benefits from untrivial backgrounds to capturing natural life. Seasonal changes offer a fresh update even on the same backdrop. Choose your location beforehand and discuss with your photographer the time of the day for the most flattering light.
via @ashleyyrojo
19. Go to the Beach. Whether you decide to go to the sea, ocean, or lake, a waterfront offers a lot of activities for heartwarming photos. You can collect shells or build a sandcastle together, sit on driftwood or simply walk on the beach.
20. Make a Three Generations of Women Photo. A professional photo session is a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day and honor mothers of all ages in your family. Thank your own mom or grandma for their support and love with photos they can treasure for years to come.
Should You Wear Makeup to the Mother-Daughter Photoshoot?
It ultimately depends on personal preference and the style of the photoshoot. If the photoshoot is meant to be more natural and casual, wearing minimal or no makeup and nude nails may be a better fit. However, if the photo shoot is styled to be more glamorous or takes place in a studio, wearing makeup could enhance the final photos. It’s important to consider the desired aesthetic and consult with the photographer for their professional opinion as well.
Are Studio Sessions Worth It?
Some potential benefits of studio sessions include controlled lighting, access to backdrops and props, and the ability to adjust the environment to achieve a desired aesthetic. Additionally, shooting in a studio can provide a comfortable and private setting for you two. There are many benefits of an outdoor photoshoot too, as being outdoors can make the mother and daughter feel more relaxed and at ease. After all, getting both options never hurts!
Why not give an amazing experience of a mother-daughter photoshoot as a special present to give to your little one? It will be a truly memorable gift! Whatever mother-daughter photoshoot ideas you choose, remember that the goal is to have fun and enjoy the relationship you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best theme for mother and daughter photoshoot?
This will ultimately depend on your interests and the age of your daughter. A popular theme for a mother and baby girl photoshoot is using studio props or getting a walk in the nature. For teenage daughters, a photoshoot while cooking, relaxing in spa together or spending time like BFF might be a better choice.
What is the best caption for mom and daughter photoshoot?
A perfect caption for a mom and daughter photoshoot could be: "I'm always, always here for you!" You may also browse mother love or mother and daughter quotes to choose what speaks to you most. Don’t forget to finish off with a popular hashtag, like #motherdaughterbond or #motherdaughtergoals.